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The Black Foot Polypore (Polyporus badius) is a common bracket fungus found on decaying wood. It is characterized by its dark brown to black upper surface and a porous lower surface. This fungus plays a role in wood decomposition and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is kidney-shaped to semicircular, with a smooth, dark brown to black surface. It can be slightly depressed in the center.
- Gills
- N/A (Pores instead of gills). The underside has small, round pores that are white to cream-colored.
- Stem
- Absent. The fruiting body attaches directly to the substrate.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thin and leathery, with a dark brown color.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bracket-like structure that grows horizontally from the substrate.
- Habitat
- Grows on decaying hardwood, particularly beech and birch.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Bracket-like
- Spore Print: White to cream
- Body color: Dark brown to black
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Flesh bruises: Does not typically bruise
- Height: 1-3 cm thick
- Cap Diameter: 5-20 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeThis fungus is not known to be toxic, but it is not typically consumed due to its tough texture and lack of flavor.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, fungal
- Fruiting: Bracket-like fruiting body on decaying wood
- Substrate: Decaying hardwood
Where to Find
Forests
Deciduous forests, particularly on fallen logs and branches.
Wooded Areas
Wooded areas with decaying hardwood trees.
Finding Tips
Check Decaying Wood
Look for the fungus on decaying hardwood, especially beech and birch.
Search Moist Areas
Search in shaded, moist areas where wood decomposition is active.
Similar Species
Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
bracket fungus
Also known as: Cinnabar Polypore
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Genus
- Polyporus
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored for consumption)
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A (Not typically stored for consumption)
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
This fungus is not typically consumed. If used for other purposes, clean by brushing off debris and wiping with a damp cloth.
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